MDE Approves Air Permit for Frederick Data Center

mde

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved an air quality permit for Amazon Data Services, Inc. for emergency backup generators at a new data center campus in Frederick. The permit ensures generators will only be used during emergencies and includes continuous oversight under the Clean Air Act.

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What changed

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has issued a final air quality permit to Amazon Data Services, Inc. for 99 diesel-fired emergency backup generators at a new data center campus in Frederick, Maryland. The permit strictly prohibits the generators from operating as a primary power source or participating in demand response programs, limiting their use to actual emergencies, testing, and maintenance. This decision follows a technical review and public comment period, and the facility will be subject to continuous oversight under the federal Clean Air Act, including inspections and annual emissions certifications.

This approval signifies a new operational authorization for Amazon's data center, imposing specific conditions and ongoing compliance obligations. The facility must also comply with U.S. EPA oil pollution prevention requirements and obtain a separate oil permit for on-site diesel fuel storage. Regulated entities, particularly those in the data center sector, should note the stringent operational limitations and oversight mechanisms imposed by environmental agencies for such facilities. The applicant and public have the right to appeal this decision.

What to do next

Ensure emergency generators are used strictly for backup power during emergencies, testing, and maintenance.
Comply with all Clean Air Act requirements and permit conditions, including annual emissions certifications.
Obtain a separate oil permit before storing diesel fuel on-site and maintain a spill prevention plan.

Source document (simplified)

Maryland Department of Environment Approves Air Permit for Frederick Data Center

Facility is Subject to Continued Oversight Under Clean Air Act

BALTIMORE (March 25, 2026) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today issued a final determination approving an air quality permit for Amazon Data Services, Inc., authorizing the installation of emergency backup generators for a new data center campus located at 3250 Digital Drive in Frederick.

The approval follows an extensive technical review and a public comment period regarding applicable air pollution control regulations.

“We heard the concerns of residents, and are confident that this permit protects air quality and public health,” said Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain. “Maryland welcomes economic growth and the jobs that come with it, but growth does not come at the expense of our families. This permit includes strong, science-based protections, and we will enforce all Clean Air Act requirements and permit conditions with rigor and accountability.”

Under the terms of the permit, the 99 diesel-fired emergency generators are strictly prohibited from operating as the primary power source for the data center or participating in demand response programs. The generators may only be used to supply backup power during actual emergencies, and for testing and maintenance purposes only to ensure the generators will be operational when needed for emergencies.

This permit was developed and issued consistent with processes developed by the Department for the last state-approved data center air quality permit for a similar project in Frederick in January 2025. Amazon has submitted an application for an additional data center facility in Frederick, for which the department will schedule a public meeting.

The data center will be subject to continuous oversight under the federal Clean Air Act. MDE will conduct unannounced and announced inspections, review operational logbooks, and require the facility to submit annual certifications of emissions. To protect local water supplies, the facility must comply with U.S. EPA oil pollution prevention requirements by maintaining a spill prevention plan and it must obtain a separate oil permit before any diesel fuel for the backup generators can be stored on-site.

The applicant and the public have a right to appeal the Department’s final decision in accordance with Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure 7-401 through 7-403.

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